EPFO changes document verification process for date of birth update. india business news
According to ET, the decision to exclude Aadhaar as a valid document for proof of date of birth has been taken following a directive Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). In a circular issued on December 22, 2023, UIDAI It was emphasized that although Aadhaar serves as a reliable proof of identity and address proof, it cannot be used as proof of date of birth.
Documents required to update date of birth in EPF account
To facilitate correction or updating of date of birth in EPFO records, individuals are now required to submit alternative documents. According to a circular issued in August 2023, acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
- Marksheet issued by a recognized government board or university.
- School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/School Transfer Certificate (TC)/SSC Certificate containing name and date of birth.
- Certificate based on service record from Central/State Government organizations.
- In the absence of the above evidence, a medical certificate issued by a Civil Surgeon, supported by an affidavit on oath certified by a competent Court.
- Passport.
PAN card Issued byIncome tax Department.- Central/State Pension Payment Order.
- CGHS/ECHS/Medi-claim card issued by Central/State/UT Government/PSU bearing photograph and date of birth.
- Residence certificate issued by the government.
UIDAI’s stand on Aadhaar for proof of date of birth
Aadhaar serves as a proof of identity and address due to the 12 digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI on behalf of the Government of India. However, it cannot be used as proof of date of birth.
During enrollment or update, UIDAI records the claimed date of birth based on the documents submitted by the resident, as specified on the UIDAI website. Regulations 10(4) and 19A of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 state that the verification of enrollment and update data follows the schedule provided. An office memorandum dated December 20, 2018, by MeitY through UIDAI clarified that the Aadhaar number establishes identity subject to authentication, but it is not proof of date of birth.
This clarification is in line with the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which has been emphasized by various High Courts in recent judgments, including the judgment of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court dated July 28, 2023. In light of these views, UIDAI issued a circular dated December 22, 2023, recommending removal of Aadhaar as proof of date of birth from the list of acceptable documents.
